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Question

'Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (04-Oct-2020)

I wholeheartedly agree with this powerful view. Hatred is a deeply corrosive emotion that operates like a poison, first on the individual and then on the collective soul of a nation.

At the individual level, hatred blinds wisdom. It forces a person to see the world through a distorted lens of 'us versus them,' shutting down reason, empathy, and critical thought. It justifies prejudice and silences the conscience, making it easier to dehumanize others and accept cruelty. A person consumed by hate loses the ability to make sound, compassionate judgments.

When this individual poison spreads, it infects the nation's spirit. It fractures society along lines of religion, caste, or region, replacing trust with suspicion and cooperation with conflict. This poisoned atmosphere stifles progress, encourages violence, and erodes the very foundations of unity and shared identity. History is replete with examples where national projects of progress were derailed by widespread hatred, proving that it is indeed the most potent destroyer of a nation’s potential.

 


 

Answered By:

Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

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